At a glance

Duration
22 days
Cost
£8595
Arrival Airport
JRO (Kilimanjaro International)
Grade
river grade
Air Temp
21°C(70F) (see variations)
Water Temp
21°C(70F)
Camping
9
Hotel
15

Overview


We have put together two of the most iconic and unforgettable adventures together in one trip. As well as hiking to the top of Africas highest peak, Kilimanjaro, you explore the amazing savannah of Tanzania  and then fly to Zambia to raft the Mighty Zambezi River complete with lunch under Victoria Falls and a stunning helicopter flight back to your hotel after the trip.

The Tanzanian Kilimanjaro Trek, is a once in a lifetime trip. It will begin in the beautiful towns of Tanzania and end at an astonishing 19,340 feet at Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the “roof of Africa”. Out of the many route options, we chose to embark on the less traveled one, Rongai Route. This route allows guests to explore many different landscapes of Africa and also see Mount Kilimanjaro from different angles. Along the way, we will get to witness incredible landscapes such as Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Peak, and incredible ice fields. We will also be immersed in the unique culture of the Tanzanian people. Getting to enjoy delicious Tanzanian dishes every day and meet the welcoming, kind people of the region.
After we summit Kilimanjaro and explore the incredible mountains of Africa, we will then explore the amazing savannah region of Tanzania. This tour is a perfect extension of the Kilimanjaro Trek, as we will get to witness the other side of Tanzania. The Safari Tour will showcase the beautiful, but the wild side of the region. Every day will be filled with incredible animals such as wildebeest, lions, zebras, and elephants. We will also get to experience the rich culture of the hunter and gather tribes.
Afterwards, we fly into Livingstone Zambia where we’ll begin our trip with a stunning sunset cruise before embarking on one of the best rafting trips in the world. 4 days of incredible warm water, camping on incredible beaches, falling asleep looking at the incredible stars.

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Destination Map


What you will be up to


1

Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania where your trip leader will meet you.  After arrival, we will pick everyone up and depart on the hour and a half drive to the hotel. Everyone will get time to check into their rooms and unload all of their baggage. We will then get together to have our orientation meeting and dinner. The trek starts as soon as we land in Tanzania, so make sure you drink plenty of water, eat well, and stay rested.

Included: Dinner

2

This morning, we will all enjoy our first warm Tanzanian breakfast together before we embark on the day. Today, will not only be a day of acclimatization and preparing for the trek, but also a day to explore the rich culture and history of Tanzania. After breakfast, we will set out on local tours. These tours can include visiting cultural museums, the Kilasia waterfall, local organic coffee farms, and the Chagga Caves. Depending on the day of the week, we might have the opportunity to explore the incredible Marangu Market. Tonight, once we all settle down and grab dinner at the hotel, our guides will host an orientation meeting that will highlight important aspects of the trek, that will ensure we are successful and have a good time.

Included: All meals

3

Today, we are officially embarking on the trek to Kilimanjaro! Our first stop of the day will be at Kilimanjaro’s National Park’s Marangu Gate to sign in for our trek. We will then drive 3.5 hours to Nale Moru, to start the trek.
In Nale Moru, we will meet the entire team of guides and porters that will be with us for the duration of the trip. We will have a hot lunch with them, and start to prepare our baggage for the trek. The porters will get everyone’s gear organized and ready. Once that is completed, we will begin the trek. The hike will begin by following a gentle incline that leads us through the beautiful forests that cover the foothills of Kilimanjaro. If lucky, we will witness the incredible sight of Colubus Monkeys, birds, reptiles, and gazelles. After hiking for a few hours, we will arrive at Simba Camp, which sits at 8,500 feet. We will have dinner together and enjoy the stunning views of the plains of Kenya.

Distance: 4.1 miles. Duration 3-4 hours. Lowest Elevation: 6397 feet. Highest Elevation: 8500 feet

Included: All meals

4

We will start our day by eating breakfast and enjoying a warm drink. The hike will begin with a gradual climb up to Second Cave. This will be an amazing spot to soak up views of Kibo peak on Kilimanjaro and the Eastern ice fields resting on the Crater Rim. After enjoying the views, we will visit a large cave and pre-historic lava tube. If time permits, we have the option to explore the two. We will then continue the hike and stop for the night at Kikelewa campsite. Everyone will get time to rest here, before we enjoy an amazing dinner.

Distance: 7.4 miles. Duration 8-9 hours. Lowest Elevation: 8500 feet. Highest Elevation: 12,057 feet

Included: All meals

5

Today, we will wake up to incredible views of Kibo. The day will start up a gentle incline but eventually, the scenery changes and the trail gets steeper and steeper. Today’s hike though is a short one and we will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn by lunch. Mawenzi Tarn is an incredible campsite, that is located beneath the incredibly jagged peak of Mawenzi. We will enjoy a hot lunch and then go on an acclimatization hike that will explore the surrounding area. Once we are done exploring, we will return to a great dinner and prepare for the following day.

Distance: 2.3 miles. Duration 4-5 hours. Lowest Elevation: 12,057 feet. Highest Elevation: 14,114 feet

Included: All meals

6

Today will serve as a layover day, intended for us to rest and continue our acclimatization. We will sleep in and embark on a light hike near Mawenzi Peak. This day is vital for the success of completing the rest of the trip. We will enjoy a hot lunch and dinner before going to sleep early. Plenty of rest and staying hydration is very important today.

Included: All meals

7

Today, the direction changes and we will head back towards Kibo. The path will start by heading over a small ridge then wandering on the northern side of “The Saddle”. This refers to the barren area between the two peaks of Kilimanjaro: Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape will be quite dramatic with huge boulders and large clouds. It will continue to be a relatively comfortable hike until the end. The last part towards the Kibo Huts will be steep, accommodated with thin air. Once we arrive, we will eat dinner and head off to bed. We will then wake up at 11:00 pm and have snacks and ginger tea at 11:30 pm.

Distance: 5.5 miles. Duration 5-6 hours. Lowest Elevation: 14,114 feet. Highest Elevation: 15,465  feet

Included: All meals

8

On day 8, at midnight, we will start the trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We will travel as light as possible, only bringing what we need. The trek will start with clear skies that are filled with thousands of stars. The trail will be a strenuous hike, passing through the edge of the crater and Gilman’s Peak. It will take a lot of effort and perseverance, but eventually, we will reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak at 19,340 feet. All the pain and exhaustion will be worth it. With the sun rising from the horizon, excitement and joy will flood all of our bodies. Once we have soaked in the incredible views, we will begin our descent back to Kibo. Upon arrival, we will rest and enjoy lunch before beginning our 3- hour descent to Horombo camp. This descent will be a gentle hike! We will then end in Horombo, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Distance: 10 miles. Duration 10-14 hours. Lowest Elevation: 12,208 feet. Highest Elevation: 19,340  feet

Included: All meals

9

Today will sadly be the last day of our trek on the incredible Mount Kilimanjaro. This will be a long hike, so we will want to be well-rested. We will be descending on a gradual decline back to Marangu Gate, where we first registered at. Once we arrive, we will grab lunch and continue down to the park entrance where those who summited Kilimanjaro or climbed to Gilman’s point, can collect their certificates. We will then say goodbye to our incredible support staff and head to our hotel where we will celebrate our accomplishments!

Distance: 12.9 miles. Duration 6-8 hours. Lowest Elevation: 6250 feet. Highest Elevation: 12,208  feet

Included: All meals

10

Today is our departure day or transition day. After sitting around and speaking words of pure joy about the hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, we will be leaving for our first day of activities for the safari trip. We will depart to Kahawa House  for the night.

Included: All meals

11

This morning we will all enjoy a warm Tanzanian breakfast together before we start our day. We’ll travel through the Maasai steppe and the Esilalae plains. Getting the opportunity to explore the crucial ecosystem of the savanna that the Masaai Tribe and the migratory ungulates or Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park depend upon. After seeing the incredible plants and animals of the land, we will be welcomed by the Maasai warriors. After meeting these incredible people and going over the plan for the rest of the trip, we will then head to Marera Valley Lodge for the evening.

Included: All meals

12

After enjoying a good breakfast, we will begin the day by driving. This drive will be filled up by the beautiful landscapes that make up Africa. It will take us through the Rift Valley, up the escarpment, over the Mbulu plateau and into the Lake Eyasi basin. Once we arrive we will be greeted by a few Hazda warriors who will be our main guides. While hiking we will be learning traditional Hazdaben skills, that will teach us how to live off the land. These include hunting, gathering honey and berries. Depending on the location we may get the opportunity to go out and dig for tubers and harvest baobab fruit and berries. Once finished, we will stop for a warm lunch. After lunch we will go out and visit the unique Datoga tribe. After finishing the tour, we will drive back to the Marera Valley Lodge for dinner.

Included: All meals

13

After breakfast, we will depart for Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful high lying farmland of the Karatu and Ngorogoro Conservation Areas. Leaving the highlands behind, we descend into the heart of wild Africa, the Serengeti National Park, with its endless plains that roll into the distance as far as the eye can see. We will then head to the central park area known as the Seronera area which is one of the richest habitats in the park featuring the amazing Seronera River. This provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore represents wildlife representative of most of Serengeti’s species. During the game drive we have a packed lunch prepared you can enjoy at one of the many picnic sites. After an incredible day viewing so many species of wildlife, we return to Serengeti Katikati Camp for our evening meal and many stories of the day.

Included: All meals

14

Today will start with an early morning game drive to see yet more incredible animals. We will then depart for the Ngorogoro Conservation Area. We will descend over 600 meters into the crater to view wildlife. Supported by year round wildlife and fodder, The Ngorogoro Conservation area supports a vast variety of animals including wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthog, hippo and of course the iconic African elephant. Another draw card to this picturesque National Park is its dense population of predators which includes lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot them. We will visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake in the southwest corner which is one of the main features of the crater. A large number of hippos, flamingos and other water based birds can usually be seen here. After a day of incredible wildlife views we will drive out of the park to Ngorogoro Farm House Valley.

Included: All meals

15

Today we will have an early start and leave Ngorogoro Farm House at 10am. Along the way back to Arusha we will stop at gift shops and also take a stop for lunch. We’ll take dinner and spend the night at Kahawa House for the night.

Included: All meals

16

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport to coincide with your flight to Livingstone, Zambia. This flight is not part of your package, but please get in touch for advice.

Included: Breakfast

17

You’ll arrive into Livingstone and be met by one of your guide team.  We’ll take you to your lodging at the gorgeous David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa. Late afternoon, we’ll head off for a gorgeous and relaxing sunset cruise on the Upper Zambezi.

Included: Dinner

18

After a great night sleep and a breakfast of champions, your guide team meet you and we’ll transport you to the Falls. We hike down into the gorge where you’ll be given a full safety and paddle briefing and we’ll spend time exploring beneath Victoria Falls and taking in the grandeur of this spectacular place. After lunch we set off tackling some of the world’s most exciting rapids such as Morning Glory, Stairway To Heaven, Gullivers Travels and The Midnight Diner, before we portage (carry the rafts around) Commercial Suicide and run one more rapid before camp at Songwe point. All food and gear will be here for a relaxing evening in this spectacular setting.

Included: All meals

19

As the sun peaks over the gorge walls, we have a fabulous breakfast and prepare the rafts with all of our equipment, as now we are a self supporting trip with all of our food and provisions for the next days.
We run through incredible rapids like ‘Creamy White Buttocks’ (yes the real name) The Mother, Double Trouble and the world famous Oblivion. We’ll take in a scenic lunch spot before spending the night at Bobo camp watching the sun dance on the walls as pour guides prepare hors d’ouvres and dinner.

Included: All meals

20

As sun hits camp, the guides will ensure you have hot drinks and a filling breakfast. We load the rafts and start on our journey downstream to this remote part of the Zambezi where we may come upon birdlife such as the African Fish Eagle, or baboons playing on the riverbank.
Rapids today include, Morning Shower, Open Season, The Narrows, Chamamba and Upper Moemba before we reach our stunning campsite tonight. The guides will prepare a wonderful meal as we look at the stunning views of this area.

Included: All meals

21

After breakfast we line the rafts empty down Lower Moemba, a spectacular Grade VI waterfall. We reach damsite where regrettably there are plans to dam this beauty of a river, before reaching our last and biggest rapid of the trip, Ghostrider.
After lunch on the banks of the river recounting tales of our past days of this epic African Adventure, our helicopter arrives to collect you and fly you back up a portion of the river, over Victoria Falls and landing at the hotel on the banks of the river. Enjoy a wonderful celebratory meal together in this magnificent location.

Included: All meals

22

After breakfast, we’ll transport you to the airport ready for your flight home. Naturally get in touch if you’d like to stay for a few extra days. Congratulations on completing this incredible adventure!

Included: Breakfast

Speak to a WBN Advisor


UK +44 1709 802 203

USA +1 303 261 8896

Book Trip

Dates & Prices


DatesDuration
Friday 30 August 2024 - Friday 20 September 202422 days£9500€11750$12500
Friday 20 September 2024 - Friday 11 October 202422 days£9500€11750$12500
Friday 29 August 2025 - Friday 19 September 202522 days£10500€12000$13750
Friday 19 September 2025 - Friday 10 October 202522 days£10500€12000$13750

Flights To Kilimanjaro International Airport, TANZANIA

We are always happy to give advice on flight options for your adventure. Please call our UK or US office or use LIVE CHAT.

There are many options for your flight to Kilimanjaro with Kenyan Airlines Qatar and Ethiopian. We would highly recommend getting in touch with our travel desk at Exito Travel for a competitive quote. Please note, this trip has 3 flight elements you should be aware of and is at your own cost.

Flight One: Home Country to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport).

Flight Two: JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) to LVI (Livingstone International Airport) Zambia on day 16 of your trip arriving on day 17.

Flight Three: LVI (Livingstone International Airport) Zambia back to your home country.

Please ensure you DO NOT book your flights until your trip is CONFIRMED to run by our office.

We have price and departure date information here (trekking and river prices only – flights not included).

In order to secure your place just pay your deposit  of £1000 per person (U.S. customers pay USD$1500). Your final trip payment is not due until 120 days before your trip. See our Terms and Conditions for full payment terms.

Please note that prices shown in Euros and USD are indicative only, as they fluctuate daily. UK residents should pay in GBP and USA residents should pay in USD.

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What you should bring


We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river rafting journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. We also suggest you take a quick look at the video on How To Pack A Dry Bag. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure along with a Water By Nature gift.

Download equipment file

Kilimanjaro And The Zambezi River reviews


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